Employee engagement has come under the spotlight in recent years as more companies see the need to increase long-term profitability in a saturated marketplace. Regardless of the size or industry, every business must have a highly engaged workforce if it wants to succeed. Employee engagement means that individuals at all levels of the organizational chart feel confident and content with the work they perform each day.

Without this consistent experience, companies are unable to retain top talent, ineffective in recruiting for the long-term, and ultimately, less profitable than they otherwise could be.

Human resources departments are often tasked with maintaining or improving employee engagement, but this has become more challenging to do through traditional methods. The influx of technological advancements in the business realm has proven beneficial in increasing employee engagement across the board, so long as HR managers and staff understand the tools available and how to implement them correctly. Here are seven ways HR technology can be used in practice to boost employee engagement in the short- and long-term.

1. Employee Education

It is difficult for employees to feel engaged with the company they work for or the tasks they complete each day if they do not have the appropriate skills and education over time. In fact, a recent study reveals that87% of younger workers state personal and career development is an essential component of a job, and this boils down to employee education and training. HR technology solutions that revolve around mobile learning, professional and personal development courses and job-specific skills education can make all the difference in creating a more engaged workforce for nearly all companies.

2. Internal Communications

The business environment today is experiencing a drastic shift in communication not only externally with customers and clients but also among employees and managed internally. Today’s workers want quick and efficient ways to connect with their peers and supervisors on important facets of their jobs. When this is lacking, there is a high probability that employees feel less engaged with the organization and ultimately they work they are tasked with completing. Tapping into the power of HR tech with messaging applications, intranet solutions, and connected project management platforms gives employees simple and efficient ways to communicate with team members and leadership.

3. Career Pathing

Another area of improvement for employee engagement is career development. Similar to the education gap, many employees are disengaged in their work because they are not able to see what the future holds for their position or higher level positions within the company. Designing and implementing career pathways for employees at all levels is a necessary step in boosting engagement. HR departments can use career pathing software that offers well-defined career pathways that employees can use quickly and effectively to design their career trajectory.

4. Managing Employee Performance

It is helpful to have a technology solution that aids in career pathing that also integrates with performance management needs. In recent years, performance management software solutions have come into play to assist with several components of HR operations, all which feed into employee engagement. The right performance management tools help HR departments monitor and share performance metrics over time, as well as identify opportunities for improvements among employees. Job accountability monitoring, relevant training recommendations, and ongoing performance reviews can all be managed in a single location with performance management software solutions. As these crucial components of performance management are delivered over time, employees feel more engaged with the organization and their work.

5. Big Data and Analytics

Many HR departments are now leaning on big data and analytics to help with employee engagement. The countless software programs and platforms designed specifically for HR teams collect a substantial amount of data that can be used to measure the progress of specific employees or larger teams. This information can then be shared easily with employees to highlight what’s working – and what’s missing the mark. Employees who have a firm understanding of company progress–thanks to accurate data–are likely to be more engaged.

6. Efficient Scheduling

More employees are intently focused on creating and sustaining a balance between work and personal life, but companies struggle with how to encourage this on a consistent basis. Several technology tools are built specifically for this purpose, with some focused on delivering flexible scheduling platforms and other incentives for the use of vacation or personal days. Combining these technology solutions with an efficient communication platform helps employees see the commitment companies have in creating work-life balance across the board.

7. Employee Recognition

One of the most important aspects of increasing employee engagement is the real-time recognition of a job well done. Most of the HR technology solutions already mentioned make recognition easier through performance management, training initiatives, and effective communication. However, HR departments may also use specific recognition technology platforms that also provide some level of reward for employees who are excelling on the job.

A robust HR technology stack leads to a far more engaged workforce over time, which boosts profitability for the long haul. Combining these tools to create a positive experience for employees gives organizations a better opportunity to attract and retain top talent who appreciate the company and are encouraged to do their best work every day.

About the author: Anna Smith is the chief editor of TalentGuard, a Predictive Development Company that transforms talent management with the power of cognitive and predictive cloud software. Anna has been working in Human Resource Management for years and has later specialized in HR tech, which is nowadays thriving and developing as a key field. She is passionate about how technology changes the HR world and the operations of every level of the company.